Medicines

Adco Mefenamic Acid: Uses, Dosage Side Effects

Adco Mefenamic acid is a South African brand of Mefenamic acid that comes in a capsule containing 250mg of the active ingredient and a suspension containing 50mg mefenamic acid per 5ml. Adco Mefenamic acid is used to treat mild to moderate pain and dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps). It isn’t known how this medication works to decrease pain. It may help reduce swelling by lowering levels of prostaglandin, a hormone-like substance that usually causes inflammation.

Mefenamic acid is approved to treat pain in people who are at least 14 years old for no longer than seven days. It’s approved to treat menstrual cramps for no longer than two to three days. Mefenamic acid belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs help reduce pain, inflammation, and fever.

Adco Mefenamic Acid

How should I take Adco Mefenamic acid

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using Adco mefenamic acid and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth, usually 4 times a day with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) or as directed by your doctor. Do not lie down for at least 10 minutes after taking this drug. If stomach upset occurs, take this medication with food or milk. Do not take Adco Mefenamic acid with antacids unless directed by your doctor. Certain antacids may change the amount of mefenamic acid absorbed by the body.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. To reduce your risk of stomach bleeding and other side effects, take this medication at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. This medication usually should not be taken for more than 7 days at a time.

If you are taking this drug on an “as needed” basis (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the symptoms have worsened, the medicine may not work as well.

If you are using Adco Mefenamic acid for painful periods, take your first dose as soon as your period starts or pain begins. Usually, you will only need to take it for the first 2 to 3 days of your period.

Inform your doctor if your pain persists or worsens or if you develop new symptoms.

What are the side effects of Adco Mefenamic acid?

Adco Mefenamic acid oral capsule doesn’t cause drowsiness. However, it can cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects that can occur with mefenamic acid include:

•          stomach pain

•          nausea

•          vomiting

•          heartburn

•          constipation

•          diarrhea

•          rash

•          dizziness

•          tinnitus (ringing in your ears)

Mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if they’re more severe or don’t go away.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re experiencing a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

•          Heart attack or stroke. Symptoms may include:

o          chest pain

o          shortness of breath

o          weakness on one side of your body

o          slurred speech

•          Heart failure. Symptoms may include:

o          unusual weight gain

o          swelling in your arms, legs, hands, or feet

•          Stomach problems, such as ulcers or bleeding. Symptoms may include:

o          stomach pain or upset stomach

o          black, sticky stools

o          vomiting up blood

•          Liver problems. Symptoms may include:

o          yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes

o          flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, and body aches

o          tiredness

o          nausea

o          pain in the upper part of your stomach

o          itching

•          Skin reactions. Symptoms may include:

o          reddening, blistering, or peeling skin.

What medications may interact with Adco Mefenamic acid?

Some products that may interact with Adco Mefenamic acid include: aliskiren, ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, lisinopril), angiotensin II receptor blockers (such as valsartan, losartan), cidofovir, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), fluconazole, ketorolac, lithium, methotrexate, “water pills” (diuretics such as furosemide).

This medication may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with other drugs that also may cause bleeding. Examples include anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel, “blood thinners” such as dabigatran/enoxaparin/warfarin, among others.

Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (aspirin, NSAIDs such as celecoxib or ibuprofen). These drugs are similar to mefenamic acid and may increase your risk of side effects if taken together. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually 81-162 milligrams a day), you should continue taking the aspirin unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (e.g., urine bile test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

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Dr. Oche Otorkpa PG Cert, MPH, PhD

Dr. Oche is a seasoned Public Health specialist who holds a post graduate certificate in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, an MPH, and a PhD both from Texila American University. He is a member of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals and a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health in the UK. He authored two books: "The Unseen Terrorist," published by AuthorHouse UK, and "The Night Before I Killed Addiction."
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